Need an Attorney for a Drug Charge in Hillsborough
Have you been placed under arrest and charged with a drug offense in Hillsborough Township? Was it for Marijuana? THC Oil? Heroin? Cocaine? Xanax? Oxycontin? If so, we strongly urge that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your options. It is well known by now that New Jersey has been taking on what has been coined as the “war on drugs” for what feels like more than a decade now. As such, it should be no surprise to hear that law enforcement throughout the state, including in Hillsborough Township takes a very proactive approach when it comes investigating those involved in drugs, whether it be a user or distributor. The same can be said for those in charge of prosecuting these types of cases.
Hillsborough Township, which covers more than 55,000 miles in Somerset County, sees its fair share of drug related arrests every year. That includes lower level offenses like the possession of marijuana under 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as more serious offenses like the possession of heroin and the the possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. If you have found yourself in this unfortunate situation and would like to schedule a free initial consultation, please contact our office at 908-533-1064. One of our Hillsborough drug charge defense lawyers would be glad to go over the specifics surrounding your charges and discuss your options. Now here is some information that you need to know about drug offenses.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Drug Charge in Hillsborough?
Outside of the potential for incarceration, high fines, community service, loss of drivers license and probation, a drug conviction could carry with it some serious ancillary consequences that most don’t initially think about. For example, a conviction for a drug offenses can effect your ability to obtain/maintain employment, obtain professional licenses, obtain student loans, gain acceptance into college and live in certain communities. These are just some of the reasons that we strongly urge anyone charged with a drug charge, even a lower level offense like the possession of marijuana, we strongly urge that you consult with an attorney about your options.
Are all Drug Charges Considered Felony Offenses in NJ?
All drug possession offenses will be considered either a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor) or an indictable offense (felony). The drug in question and in some instances, the quantity will dictate what degree of a charge an individual faces. Some of the most common disorderly person drug offenses include the following: possession of marijuana under 50 grams; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of THC oil; failure to turn over a controlled dangerous substance and loitering for the purpose to obtain a controlled dangerous substance. Conversely, some of the most frequent felony drug offenses that we see being charged in Hillsborough Township include: possession of heroin; possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute; possession of cocaine and possession of prescription drugs like Xanax, Oxycontin and Valium.
Where do I go to Court for a Drug Charge in Hillsborough Township?
The degree of the drug offense will determine what court will have original jurisdiction over the charges. All disorderly persons drug related offenses that occur within Hillsborough Township will be litigated in the Hillsborough Municipal Court, which is located at 379 South Branch Road. On the other hand, all indictable related drug charges that occur within Hillsborough Township will be transferred to the Somerset County Superior Court, Criminal Division, which is located in Somerville for disposition. If the individual is charged with both a disorderly persons and indictable drug offenses in Hillsborough Township, all offenses must be transferred to the Somerset County Superior Court for disposition.
What is the Sentence for a Drug Charge in New Jersey?
Anyone who is convicted of a disorderly persons drug offense will be facing the following potential penalties: six months in Somerset County Jail; a $1,000 fine; a $500 DEDR Assessment; a $50 Laboratory Assessment; a $30 LEO Assessment; a $50 VVCO Assessment; a $75 SNSF Assessment; a six month loss of license; probation; community service and a criminal conviction. Most indictable drug related offenses will be considered third degree crimes and the potential penalties could include any of the following: five years in a New Jersey State Prison; a $35,000 Fine; a $1000 DEDR Assessment; a $50 Laboratory Assessment; a $30 LEO Assessment; a $50 VVCO Assessment; a $75 SNSF Assessment; a six month loss of license; probation; community service; court mandated treatment and a felony conviction.
Speak to a Local Hillsborough Drug Charge Defense Attorney
As you can see from reading above, drug offenses, even the lower level offenses are not something to take lightly. If you or a love one has been arrested and charged with a drug charge in Hillsborough Township, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. Our attorneys are well aware of the serious impact a drug conviction can have on ones life. If have unfortunately found yourself in this type of situation and would like to speak to one of our Hillsborough criminal defense lawyers today about your option, then please call us directly at 908.533.1064 or you can try contacting us online.